3/17/2026 RTIR Newsletter: Women and the SAVE Act, the Real St. Patrick and Why You Keep Choosing the Wrong Partner

01. SAVE Act Would Affect Millions of Women Voters 
02. National Guard Troops Fighting Iran?
03. 250 Years Later- Understanding the Declaration of Independence
04. Who Was St. Patrick?
05. Study Finds Forgiving Others is Good for You
06. 70% of Professionals Feel Like Frauds—We're Ignoring a Leadership Crisis
07. Why You Keep Choosing the Wrong Partner—and How to Break the Cycle
08. For Women’s History Month: A Forgotten Figure in the Women’s Movement
09. Former Nurse and Stand-Up Comic Gets Serious About Healthcare's Darkest Secret
10. Beyond Survival: The Untold Life After Cardiac Arrest
11. How to Raise Emotionally Healthy Sons
12. How to Stop Saying “It’s All Good” and Start Healing for Real
13. Blocked Chakras, Blocked Health: How Energy Balance Affects Your Body
14. When Faith Defies Fear: Miraculous Encounters with God
15. Drawing Badly Could Be the Secret to Business Breakthroughs

1. ==> SAVE Act Would Affect Millions of Women Voters

The SAVE Act is headed for a vote in the Senate this week as Republicans and Democrats prepare for a showdown on President Donald Trump's voter ID bill. The measure would require a photo ID to prove U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport in order to vote. According to the Brennan Center for Justice, over 21 million Americans lack ready access to those documents and would face significant challenges in getting it. Anyone who has changed their name, including married women, would be impacted and potentially turned away at the polls if their birth certificate doesn’t match their current legal name. Experts say people of color, low-income individuals and married and divorced women would be impacted most. Named after Supreme Court justice William J. Brennan Jr., The Brennan Center for Justice is an American nonprofit law and public policy institute. To book an expert to discuss the SAVE America Act contact Lexi Kennard at (515) 343–6540; kennardl@brennan.law.nyu.edu

2. ==> National Guard Troops Fighting Iran?

Isaac Evans-Frantz, director of Action Corps says, “A growing bipartisan movement across the United States is advancing state legislation known as the Defend the Guard Act, to prohibit a state’s National Guard from being deployed into overseas combat unless Congress has formally authorized the conflict, as required under Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution.” At a recent Vermont State House press event, after confirmation that the Vermont Air National Guard took part in attacks on both Venezuela and Iran this year, he said, “The Vermont National Guard is needed here at home to fight fires here, not be starting fires halfway around the world.” Defend the Guard bills have been introduced in a majority of states, and the bill has passed the New Hampshire House, Arizona Senate, Virginia House of Delegates, and Idaho Senate. The proposal has drawn support from an unusual coalition of veterans, families of National Guard members, constitutional scholars, peace advocates, and civil libertarians who argue that it protects both service members and democratic accountability. Contact Isaac Evans-Frantz at isaac@actioncorps.org; @theactioncorps

3. ==> 250 Years Later- Understanding the Declaration of Independence

As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, historian Robert G. Parkinson offers a strikingly different way to understand America’s founding document. Most Americans think of the Declaration through its famous preamble, “all men are created equal,” “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” But those lines were not the main event for the people who wrote the document. What mattered most to the patriots in 1776 were the 27 grievances against King George III that make up the bulk of the Declaration and explain why the colonies believed independence had become unavoidable. Ask Parkinson: Why did the colonies declare independence when they did? What were their nonnegotiable demands? And which individuals and events convinced them that reconciliation with Britain was impossible? The stories behind those charges explain the political tensions, fears, and conflicts of the Revolutionary moment and show how the issues that alarmed colonists in 1776, including questions about executive power, civil authority, and the rule of law, still resonate today. Patterson’s new book is “Tyrants and Rogues: Understanding the Declaration of Independence.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705

4. ==> Who Was St. Patrick?

Each St. Patrick’s Day we eat green bagels, wear shamrocks and hoist beers to our Irish heritage, but what do you really know about St. Patrick, the man? He’s Ireland’s beloved patron saint and he’s celebrated worldwide each March 17. What did he do during his remarkable life, more than 1,500 years ago? What will most Americans, including those of Irish ancestry, be surprised and intrigued and inspired to learn? Invite acclaimed historian William Federer on-air to explore the compelling true story of Saint Patrick! With quiz questions and little-known stories, Federer will separate fact from folklore, helping everyone observe Saint Patrick’s Day with newfound appreciation and fascination. William Federer is president of Amerisearch, Inc. He is the author of many books including “Saint Patrick: The Real Story of his Amazing Life from Tragedy to Triumph.” Contact him at (314) 502-8924 or wjfederer@gmail.com

5. ==> Study Finds Forgiving Others is Good for You

Offering forgiveness to someone who’s hurt you is often easier said than done — but recent research adds to a body of evidence suggesting it can actually be a gift to yourself as well as the person you’re giving it to. In a study published earlier this year, researchers analyzed data from more than 200,000 people across 23 countries, measuring participants at two points roughly a year apart. The team first assessed how often people forgave others, then followed up on well-being outcomes such as health, happiness, relationship quality, and financial stability. While the improvements were modest, lead study author Richard Cowden says forgiveness can have a ripple effect — and it can be practiced. “If we consider these findings alongside intervention studies that show forgiveness can be cultivated, strengthening people’s capacity to practice forgiveness more consistently may benefit well-being.” Invite him to share with your listeners an easy-to-use five-step model that will help them cultivate forgiveness in their own lives. Richard G. Cowden, Ph.D., is a social-personality psychologist and Research Scientist with the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard University and the Department of Epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Contact him at rcowden@fas.harvard.edu

6. ==> 70% of Professionals Feel Like Frauds—We're Ignoring a Leadership Crisis

Imagine sitting at dinner beside a Fortune 500 CEO—and being consumed by the fear that you don't belong there. That was Mike Sealy's reality during Hewlett-Packard's accelerated leadership program, and it sparked a decades-long mission to understand imposter syndrome. Now the author of “Mindset Unlocked” reveals how this silent epidemic costs organizations untold innovation and burnout. Invite Sealy on your show to discuss how imposter syndrome quietly sabotages talented professionals, keeping brilliant ideas unspoken and promotions out of reach. He’ll share his multi-industry leadership journey—where he deliberately took roles in new industries to stay on steep learning curves—and offers practical tools from his 10-step framework for developing a growth mindset. Contact Mike Sealy at (484) 477-4220; msealy@rtirguests.com

7. ==> Why You Keep Choosing the Wrong Partner—and How to Break the Cycle

Nearly half of American marriages end in divorce, and many people say their next relationship feels eerily similar to the last. Author and speaker Charisse Walker says it’s not a coincidence. Most people enter relationships without understanding the deeper beliefs, experiences, and patterns quietly shaping their decisions. On your show, Walker introduces the powerful idea behind her book Flipping the Iceberg: every relationship has an iceberg. The small portion above the surface includes what we easily see—attraction, personality, and shared interests. But the much larger portion below the surface includes our beliefs about love, expectations, communication habits, past experiences, and values. Walker explains how these hidden influences shape who we trust, commit to, and ultimately marry. She shows audiences how greater self-awareness can help people stop repeating painful relationship patterns and make more intentional decisions about love and commitment. Charisse Walker is an entrepreneur, author, and former host of the Emmy-nominated national television show The American Dream. She now speaks about the importance of self-awareness and understanding the deeper dynamics that shape healthy relationships. Contact Charisse Walker at (801) 251-6965; cwalker@rtirguests.com

8. ==> For Women’s History Month: A Forgotten Figure in the Women’s Movement

You might be shocked by the conditions faced by women in some cultures and countries across the globe, but Elaine Rock says your grandmothers here in the U.S. faced discrimination that might surprise you. “In the 1950s and 1960s, women couldn’t open bank accounts, obtain credit cards or passports in their own names, or make major financial decisions without male approval. Stewardesses faced marriage bans, mandatory retirement at age 32, strict weight limits, and humiliating body inspections.” Just in time for Women’s History Month, Elaine Rock will share little-known facts about the Women’s Movement and the forgotten civil rights trailblazer, Barbara “Dusty” Roads, an American Airlines stewardess and flight attendant, union organizer and lobbyist to Congress. Elaine says she was the hidden figure who really ignited the Women’s Movement— before it had a name. She met and interviewed Dusty numerous times and even appeared with her in the PBS documentary “Fly With Me.” Elaine Rock is a women’s rights advocate, a former history teacher and the award-winning author of “Dusty Roads.” Contact her at (707) 293-0000; ElaineRockAuthor@gmail.com

9. ==> Former Nurse and Stand-Up Comic Gets Serious About Healthcare's Darkest Secret

Kathy Allan spent 20 years as a hospital nurse before witnessing something that changed everything: cleaning staff in scrubs discharging new mothers, while administrators threatened her for asking questions. She realized healthcare had become addicted to profits over patients. Her shocking revelation: nurses are 18% more likely to commit suicide than the general population. This Board Certified Holistic Nurse and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner channeled her trauma expertise and background as a stand-up comic into Gutsy Nurses—a program teaching nurses how to survive a broken system. Inspired by recovery principles, she developed the 12 Steps of Healing Care to beat the industry's profit addiction. Contact Kathy Allan at (619) 932-5206; Kallan@rtirguests.com

10. ==> Beyond Survival: The Untold Life After Cardiac Arrest

On Valentine’s Day 2007, at just 27 years-old, Lynn Blake’s heart stopped. She is alive today thanks to a bystander’s CPR and local EMS, including firefighter and reality TV star Ryan Sutter. But survival is only the beginning. Invite her on your show and learn about the hidden aftermath of medical trauma: PTSD, shaken faith, and the question of why some live while others don’t. Hear how her story comes full circle through her son, named for her rescuer, and her nonprofit's life-saving work. Ask her: How did your cardiac arrest impact your life most? What two universal truths does your story reveal? What advice do you have that will save lives and souls? Lynn Blake’s memoir, “Heart of the Matter,” follows her experiences with an implanted defibrillator, spiritual reckoning, and the rebuilding of identity and purpose. Contact Lynn Blake at (970) 331-3983; Lynn@HeartHope.org

11. ==> How to Raise Emotionally Healthy Sons

In a world where boys are often taught to suppress their feelings, parenting expert and author C. Lynn Williams is changing the conversation. She offers practical, compassionate guidance for raising sons who are emotionally aware, resilient, and confident. “We need to focus on challenging outdated myths about masculinity and replace fear-based parenting with connection, communication, and trust,” she says. “When boys are given permission to feel, communicate, and be understood, they grow into healthier men and create stronger families and communities.” C. Lynn is the author of five parenting books including “Trying to Stay Sane While Raising Your Teen.” She’s an educator, speaker, and family dynamics strategist. Ask her: What challenges do boys face in modern society? How can parents raise sons who are strong without being aggressive? Contact C. Lynn Williams at (224) 357-6315; Cwilliams@rtirguests.com

12. ==> How to Stop Saying “It’s All Good” and Start Healing for Real

“I’m fine.” “It’s all good.” “I’ve got this.” Most people say these words automatically, even when they’re barely holding it together. Author Kat Perkins says that habit of pretending we’re okay is often what keeps us from truly healing. After losing her mother at nine, surviving foster care, and later facing breast cancer, Kat became skilled at smiling through pain. “It’s all good,” she would often say, even when it wasn’t. Everything shifted when someone finally gave her permission to admit the truth: it wasn’t all good, and she didn’t have to carry it alone. In this timely Spring conversation about renewal and emotional reset, Kat explains why acting okay can delay real healing, how unprocessed pain quietly shapes relationships and identity, and why understanding your story is the first step toward rewriting it. Drawing from her memoir Girls with Pearls Have Power, she shares how setbacks can become turning points, and why this season may be the perfect time to stop surviving and start rising. Contact Kat Perkins at (404) 800-3916; kperkins@rtirguests.com

13. ==> Blocked Chakras, Blocked Health: How Energy Balance Affects Your Body

When symptoms don’t respond to traditional approaches, Marilyn Mercado looks at energy. She explains how emotional stress and unresolved experiences can disrupt the body’s energy centers, often showing up as pain, fatigue, or recurring illness. Mercado helps audiences understand how chakra balance supports physical and emotional health and how simple awareness practices can restore flow. Her perspective offers an intriguing complement to conventional wellness conversations. Marilyn is an energy practitioner and holistic wellness expert specializing in chakra balance and mind-body healing. Contact her at (805) 332-4863; mmercado@rtirguests.com

14. ==> When Faith Defies Fear: Miraculous Encounters with God

Nancy Frecka brings a unique perspective as both a pastor and someone who has experienced extraordinary events. She shares insights about hearing God’s voice and trusting divine guidance in everyday life. Her two near-death experiences, encounters with Jesus, and the way God brought clarity and healing through moments of deep childhood trauma speak powerfully to the reality of surrendering to God’s will. When she slipped into death—twice—she never imagined what awaited her. Floating above her lifeless body, she watched nurses scramble, unable to find a pulse. Then came the divine encounter with Jesus Himself. Nancy is a speaker, pastor, and the author of “God Says, You Can Trust Me: Supernatural Encounters with God.” Contact Nancy Frecka at (330) 422-6955; nfrecka@rtirguests.com

15. ==> Drawing Badly Could Be the Secret to Business Breakthroughs

What if your messy stick figures could transform stalled meetings into breakthrough moments? Lisa Rothstein, “New Yorker” cartoonist and former advertising creative, has discovered that imperfect doodles beat perfect presentations every single time—and the science backs her up. In interviews, Rothstein will reveal how simple sketches get buy-in faster than any PowerPoint deck, why drawing badly creates psychological safety that "perfect" can't match, and how to use visual thinking in the age of AI to stand out as authentically human. Drawing from her book “Drawing Out Your Genius,” she'll share quick techniques anyone can use to simplify complex ideas, kickstart innovation, and finally get teams speaking the same language. Ask her: You say "the worse it looks, the better it works"—how does that make sense? What kinds of problems can this technique help you solve? How can non-artists use drawing to get breakthrough results this week? Contact Lisa Rothstein at (310) 388-8093; Lrothstein@rtirguests.com